Reagan

The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Soviet KGB agent Viktor Petrovich begins narrating his decades-long observation of Reagan, establishing the framing device. We see young Ronald Reagan in Depression-era Illinois, a boy from humble beginnings with an alcoholic father but a deeply faithful mother who instills values that will shape his destiny.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 17 minutes when Reagan confronts communist infiltration in Hollywood during the SAG labor disputes. His marriage to Jane Wyman crumbles as she leaves him, citing his obsessive focus on politics over their family. Reagan faces professional and personal crisis simultaneously, his old life shattered.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.

The First Threshold at 35 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Reagan delivers "A Time for Choosing" speech supporting Barry Goldwater in 1964. Though Goldwater loses, Reagan's speech captivates the nation and launches his political career. He makes the irreversible choice to leave entertainment and pursue politics, running for Governor of California., moving from reaction to action.

At 71 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat John Hinckley Jr. Shoots Reagan outside the Washington Hilton on March 30, 1981. Reagan nearly dies, the bullet stopping an inch from his heart. This false defeat transforms into revelation as Reagan interprets his survival as divine confirmation of his mission. He emerges more determined than ever to confront Soviet communism., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.

The Collapse moment at 106 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The Iran-Contra scandal reaches its peak, threatening to destroy Reagan's legacy and presidency. His approval ratings plummet. Critics declare his presidency a failure, his dreams of ending the Cold War seemingly impossible. Reagan faces his darkest political hour, everything he's worked for appearing to crumble., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 113 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Reagan travels to Berlin and, against advisors' objections, delivers his historic challenge: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" This synthesis moment combines Reagan's communication gifts, moral clarity, and strategic vision. He chooses to directly confront the Soviet empire, setting the stage for the Cold War's end., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.